Flow Computer Wireless Interface Module Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of flow computers with field devices in SCADA systems is complex and costly due to the need for multiple communication protocols and separate hardware components, leading to increased time, expense, and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A flow computer with a built-in wireless protocol interface module that communicates directly with field devices using a single wireless protocol, such as WirelessHART, eliminating the need for intermediate gateways and reducing the number of components and power sources, thereby simplifying configuration and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols and separate hardware components are used to integrate flow computers with field devices, then compatibility with various field devices is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow computer is equipped with a universal wireless communication interface that supports multiple wireless protocols (such as WirelessHART, Zigbee, Wi-Fi) within a single device. This allows the flow computer to directly communicate with various types of wireless field devices without requiring multiple specialized hardware components or intermediate gateways, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining broad adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the wireless communication interface, protocol handling capabilities, and data processing functions into a single integrated flow computer unit. By merging these previously separate components into one device, the system eliminates the need for separate communication modules and reduces the overall number of hardware components required for integration with field devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate gateways are used to communicate with wireless field devices, then protocol compatibility is improved, but system cost and physical footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow computer directly integrates wireless communication capabilities, eliminating the need for separate intermediate gateway devices. This direct integration combines the functions of the flow computer and gateway into a single unit, reducing the total number of components and power sources required in the system while maintaining full protocol compatibility with wireless field devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the gateway functionality directly into the flow computer by incorporating a wireless communication interface module within the flow computer's housing. This extraction eliminates the need for a separate physical gateway device, reducing the quantity of components and simplifying the system architecture while preserving protocol translation and communication capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate gateway devices are deployed, then communication capability is improved, but reliability is reduced due to additional connection points
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the wireless communication interface directly into the flow computer, the system eliminates additional connection points between separate gateway devices and field devices. This integration reduces the number of potential failure points in the communication path, thereby improving system reliability while maintaining full communication capability with wireless field devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
Flow computers having wireless communication protocol interfaces and related methods are disclosed. In one example, a method involves receiving a request to be sent to a wireless device in a network of wireless devices, the request to be received via a remote terminal unit application executed on a processor within a flow computer, and communicating the request to the wireless device via a communications interface module, the communications interface module to be communicatively coupled to the processor via a backplane contained within a housing of the flow computer, the backplane to provide communications according to a high speed data bus communications protocol.